National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Natural Resource Program Center
Fort Union National Monument Visitor Study Summer 2010
Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/SSD/NRR—2010/402/106206
ON THE COVER Photograph courtesy of Fort Union National Monument
Fort Union National Monument Visitor Study Summer 2010
Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/SSD/NRR—2010/402/106206
Ariel Blotkamp, Nancy C. Holmes, Steven J. Hollenhorst
Visitor Services Project Park Studies Unit University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83844-1139
December 2010
U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
The National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public.
The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate high-priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management applicability.
All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and designed and published in a professional manner.
Data in this report were collected and analyzed using methods based on established, peer- reviewed protocols and were analyzed and interpreted within the guidelines of the protocols.
Views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and data in this report do not necessarily reflect views and policies of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Government.
This report is available from the Social Science Division (http://www.nature.nps.gov/ socialscience/index.cfm) and the Natural Resource Publications Management website (http://www.nature.nps.gov/publications/NRPM).
Please cite this publication as:
Blotkamp, A., N. C. Holmes, and S. J. Hollenhorst. 2010. Fort Union National Monument: summer 2010. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/SSD/NRR—2010/402/106206. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
NPS 402/106206 December 2010
2 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 5! Acknowledgements...... 7! About the Authors ...... 7! INTRODUCTION ...... 9! Organization of the Report ...... 9! Presentation of the Results ...... 10! METHODS...... 11! Survey Design and Procedures...... 11! Questionnaire design ...... 11! Survey procedure...... 12! Data analysis...... 12! Limitations ...... 13! Special conditions ...... 13! Checking non-response bias...... 14! RESULTS ...... 15! Group and Visitor Characteristics ...... 15! Visitor group size...... 15! Visitor group type ...... 15! Visitors with organized groups ...... 16! United States visitors by state of residence ...... 18! Visitors from New Mexico and adjacent states by county of residence ...... 19! International visitors by country of residence ...... 20! Number of visits in past 5 years ...... 21! Number of visits in lifetime ...... 21! Visitor age ...... 22! Visitor ethnicity ...... 23! Visitor race ...... 23! Language used for speaking and reading...... 24! Visitors with physical conditions...... 25! Respondents’ level of education ...... 27! Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences ...... 28! Information sources prior to visit ...... 28! Information sources for future visit ...... 30! Park website...... 31! Primary reason for visiting park area ...... 33! Reasons/motivations for visiting the park...... 34! Services used in nearby communities...... 35! Adequacy of directional signs ...... 39! Number of vehicles ...... 40! Number of entries...... 40! Overnight stay ...... 41! Lodging used in the area...... 42! Length of visit ...... 42! Local and regional attractions ...... 43! Activities on this visit ...... 45! Primary activity on this visit ...... 46! Future activities ...... 47! Topics learned on this visit...... 48! Preferred topics to learn on future visit ...... 49! Safety issues...... 50!
3 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
CONTENTS (continued)
Ratings of Services, Facilities, Attributes, and Resources ...... 51! Visitor services and facilities used ...... 51! Importance ratings of visitor services and facilities ...... 52! Quality ratings of visitor services and facilities...... 58! Mean scores of importance and quality ratings of visitor services and facilities ...... 64! Importance of protecting park resources, attributes, and experiences ...... 65! Expenditures...... 67! Total expenditures inside and outside the park...... 67! Number of adults covered by expenditures...... 68! Number of children covered by expenditures...... 68! Expenditures inside the park...... 69! Expenditures outside the park...... 71! Preferences for Future Visit...... 77! Preferred methods to learn about the park ...... 77! Future visits to the park...... 78! Overall Quality ...... 80! Visitor Comment Summaries...... 81! Planning for the future...... 81! Additional comments...... 83! Visitor comments...... 85! Appendix 1: The Questionnaire...... 87! Appendix 2: Additional Analysis...... 88! Appendix 3: Decision Rules for Checking Non-response Bias...... 89! References...... 90! Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications...... 91!
4 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Executive Summary
This visitor study report profiles a systematic random sample of Fort Union National Monument visitors during July 1-23, 2010. A total of 341 questionnaires was distributed to visitor groups. Of those, 262 questionnaires were returned resulting in a 77.0% response rate.
Group size and type Fifty-seven percent of visitor groups were in groups of two, 14% were in a group of one, and 21% were in groups of three or four. Seventy-four percent of visitor groups were in a family group.
State or country of United States visitors comprised 99% of total visitation during the survey residence period, with 29% from New Mexico and smaller proportions from 39 other states and Washington, D.C. International visitors comprised 1% of total visitation during the survey period, with 1% from the Czech Republic and smaller proportions from 2 other countries.
Frequency of visits Eighty-two percent of visitors were visiting the park for the first time in their lifetime, and 90% were visiting for the first time in the past 5 years.
Age Fifty-two percent of visitors were ages 51-70 years, 11% were ages 15 years or younger, and 12% were ages 71 years or older.
Physical conditions Nine percent of visitor groups had members with physical conditions affecting their ability to access or participate in activities and services; walking was the most common activity that was difficult to participate in.
Level of education Thirty-five percent of visitors held a graduate degree, while 35% held a bachelor’s degree. And 22% had some college education.
Information sources Most visitor groups (73%) obtained information about the park prior to their visit through maps/brochures (30%) and the park website (29%). Most visitor groups (94%) received the information they needed. To obtain information for a future visit, 64% of visitor groups would use the park website.
Park website Twenty-six percent of visitor groups obtained information from the park website, and 81% rated its quality as “good” or “very good.” Ninety-four percent of visitors found the information they needed on the park website.
Reason for visiting For 97% of non-resident visitor groups, the primary reason for visiting the park area park area (within 50 miles) was to visit the park (38%), and for 37%, the primary reason was traveling through-unplanned visit.
Services used in Seventy-six percent of visitor groups used support services in nearby communities nearby communities, and the most commonly used services were buying gasoline (34%) and eating meals in restaurant (30%).
Overnight stays Forty-six percent of visitor groups stayed overnight away from their permanent residence within 50 miles of the park. Of those groups, 52% stayed one night within 50 miles of the park.
5 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Executive Summary (continued)
Length of visit in Fifty-five percent of visitor groups spent up to two hours visiting the park, park and 30% spent up to one hour. The average length of visit was 1.8 hours.
Local and regional The most commonly visited local and regional attractions were Las attractions Vegas (47%), the Santa Fe Trail (44%), and Pecos National Historic Park (33%).
Activities on this The most common activities were viewing outdoor exhibits (88%), visit viewing indoor exhibits (87%), and taking self-guided tour of fort (83%). The most common primary activity was taking self-guided tour of fort (59%).
Topics learned on On this visit, 99% percent of visitor groups learned about topics related visit to the function of Fort Union as a military outpost, 96% learned about the Santa Fe Trail, and 94% learned about U.S. military history.
Visitor services and The visitor services and facilities most commonly used were visitor facilities center (89%), visitor center restrooms (84%), and visitor center exhibits (84%).
Importance of The park resources/attributes/experiences that received the highest protecting park combined proportions of “extremely important” and “very important” resources and ratings for protection were historic structures (98%), archeology (92%), experiences and scenic views without development (90%). Dark, starry night sky received the highest “not important” rating (10%) by visitor groups.
Expenditures The average visitor group expenditure (inside and outside the park within 30 miles) was $218. The median group expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% of groups spent less) was $90, and the average total expenditure per person (per capita) was $93.
Future visits Sixty percent of visitor groups would consider visiting Fort Union National Monument again in the future. The most common incentives for returning to the park in the future were being in the area again and bringing friends/relatives to the park.
Learning methods Most visitor groups (93%) were interested in learning about the park’s in future cultural and natural history/features in the future. Visitor groups would most prefer to learn through outdoor exhibits (78%) and self-guided tours (75%).
Overall quality Most visitor groups (94%) rated the overall quality of facilities, services, and recreational opportunities at Fort Union National Monument as “very good” or “good.” Two percent of groups rated the overall quality as “very poor” or “poor.”
For more information about the Visitor Services Project, please contact the Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho at (208) 885-7863 or the following website http://www.psu.uidaho.edu.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Nancy Holmes for overseeing the survey, the staff and volunteers of Fort Union National Monument for assisting with the survey, and David Vollmer and Matthew Strawn for data processing.
About the Authors
Ariel Blotkamp is a Research Assistant with the Visitor Services Project. Nancy C. Holmes is a Research Specialist with the Visitor Services Project. Dr. Steven Hollenhorst is the Director of the Park Studies Unit, Department of Conservation Social Sciences, University of Idaho.
7 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
8 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Introduction
This report describes the results of a visitor study at Fort Union National Monument (NM) in Watrous, New Mexico, conducted July 1-23, 2010 by the National Park Service (NPS) Visitor Services Project (VSP), part of the Park Studies Unit (PSU) at the University of Idaho.
The National Park Service website for Fort Union NM describes it: “Fort Union was established in 1851 as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. During its forty-year history, three different forts were constructed close together. The third Fort Union was the largest in the American Southwest, and functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here” (www.nps.gov/foun, retrieved September, 2010).
Organization of the Report
The report is organized into three sections. Section 1: Methods. This section discusses the procedures, limitations, and special conditions that may affect the study results. Section 2: Results. This section provides summary information for each question in the questionnaire. The presentation of the results of this study does not follow the order of questions in the questionnaire. Section 3: Appendices Appendix 1: The Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire distributed to visitor groups. Appendix 2: Additional Analysis. A list of sample questions for cross-references and cross comparisons. Comparisons can be analyzed within park or between parks. Results of additional analyses are not included in this report. Appendix 3: Decision rules for checking non-response bias. An explanation of how the non-response bias was determined. Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications. A complete list of publications by the VSP. Copies of these reports can be obtained by visiting the website: www.psu.uidaho.edu/vsp/reports.htm or by contacting the VSP office at (208) 885-7863.
9 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Presentation of the Results
Results are represented in the form of graphs (see example below), scatter plots, pie charts, tables, or text.
SAMPLE ONLY
1. The figure title describes the 2 graph's information. N=2174 individuals*
2. Listed above the graph, the “N” 4 or more 4% shows the number of individuals or visitor groups responding to the question. If “N” is less than 3 5% 5 30, “CAUTION!” is shown on the Number graph to indicate the results may of visits 2 16% be unreliable. 3
* appears when total 1 76% percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding. 0 500 1000 1500 2000 4 ** appears when total Number of respondents percentages do not equal 100 Figure 14. Number of visits to the park in because visitors could select 1 more than one answer choice. past 12 months
3. Vertical information describes the response categories.
4. Horizontal information shows the number or proportions of responses in each category.
5. In most graphs, percentages provide additional information.
10 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Methods
Survey Design and Procedures
Sample size and sampling plan
All VSP questionnaires follow design principles outlined in Don A. Dillman's book Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method (2007). Using this methodology, the sample size was calculated based on park visitation statistics of previous years.
Brief interviews were conducted with a systematic, random sample of visitor groups that arrived at the Fort Union NM visitor center during July 1-23, 2010. Visitors were surveyed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. During this survey, 348 visitor groups were contacted and 341 of these groups 98.0% accepted questionnaires (the average acceptance rate for 211 VSP visitor studies conducted from 1988 through 2009 is 90.9%). Questionnaires were completed and returned by 262 visitor groups resulting in a 77.0% response rate for this study. (The average response rate for the 211 VSP visitor studies is 74.2%.)
Questionnaire design
The Fort Union NM questionnaire was developed at a workshop held with park staff to design and prioritize the questions. Some of the questions were comparable with VSP studies conducted at other parks while others were customized for Fort Union NM. Many questions asked visitors to choose answers from a list of responses, often with an open- ended option, while others were completely open-ended.
No pilot study was conducted to test the Fort Union NM questionnaire. However, all questions followed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines and/or were used in previous surveys; thus the clarity and consistency of the survey instrument have been tested and supported.
11 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Survey procedure
Visitor groups were greeted, briefly introduced to the purpose of the study, and asked to participate. If visitors agreed, they were asked which member (at least 16 years old) had the next birthday. The individual with the next birthday was selected to complete the questionnaire for the group. An interview, lasting approximately two minutes, was conducted with that person to determine group size, group type, and the age of the member completing the questionnaire. These individuals were asked for their names, addresses, and telephone numbers or email addresses in order to mail them a reminder/thank-you postcard and follow-ups. Visitors were asked to complete the survey after their visit, and return the questionnaire by mail. The questionnaires were pre-addressed and affixed with a U.S. first- class postage stamp.
Two weeks following the survey, a reminder/thank-you postcard was mailed to all participants who provided a valid mailing address (see Table 1). Replacement questionnaires were mailed to participants who had not returned their questionnaires four weeks after the survey. Seven weeks after the survey, a second round of replacement questionnaires was mailed to visitors who had not returned their questionnaires. In order to distribute all 341 questionnaires, the survey period was extended. This resulted in a second round of follow-up mailings.
Table 1. Follow-up mailing distribution
Round 1 mailing Date U.S. International Total Postcards July 20, 2010 144 1 145 1st Replacement August 4, 2010 74 0 74 2nd Replacement August 25, 2010 39 0 39
Round 2 mailing Date U.S. International Total Postcards August 5, 2010 186 0 186 1st Replacement August 19, 2010 75 0 75 2nd Replacement September 7, 2010 56 0 56
Data analysis
Returned questionnaires were coded and the visitor responses were processed using custom and standard statistical software applications—Statistical Analysis Software! (SAS) and a custom designed FileMaker Pro! application. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were calculated for the coded data and responses to open-ended questions were categorized and summarized. Double-key data entry validation was performed on numeric and text entry variables and the remaining checkbox (bubble) variables were read by optical mark recognition (OMR) software.
12 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Limitations
Like all surveys, this study has limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. 1. This was a self-administered survey. Respondents completed the questionnaire after the visit, which may have resulted in poor recall. Thus, it is not possible to know whether visitor responses reflected actual behavior. 2. The data reflect visitor use patterns to the selected sites during the study period of July 1-23, 2010. The results present a ‘snapshot-in-time’ and do not necessarily apply to visitors during other times of the year. 3. Caution is advised when interpreting any data with a sample size of less than 30, as the results may be unreliable. Whenever the sample size is less than 30, the word "CAUTION!" is included in the graph, figure, table, or text. 4. Occasionally, there may be inconsistencies in the results. Inconsistencies arise from missing data or incorrect answers (due to misunderstood directions, carelessness, or poor recall of information). Therefore, refer to both the percentage and N (number of individuals or visitor groups) when interpreting the results.
Special conditions
The weather during the survey period was generally sunny and warm, with occasional breezy periods. Temperatures varied from the lower 70s to the lower 90s, with variable winds and occasional rain showers. First Fort Tours, a special event consisting of three scheduled tours at the former fort site, was held on July 17.
13 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Checking non-response bias
Four variables were used to check non-response bias: average participant age, average group size, overall quality rating score, and level of education. Respondents and nonrespondents were not significantly different in terms of group size, however, there was a significant difference in average age between respondents and nonrespondents (see Table 2). There were insignificant differences in terms of level of education and overall quality rating among respondents of different mailing waves (see Table 3). While some cautions need to be exercised concerning visitor demographics, overall the nonresponse bias is judged to be insignificant. See Appendix 3 for more details of the non-response bias checking procedures.
Table 2. Comparison of respondents and nonrespondents
Variable Respondents Nonrespondents p-value (t-test) Age (years) 57.55 (N=262) 48.54 (N=48) <0.001 Group size 2.49 (N=262) 2.50 (N=46) 0.973
Table 3: Comparison of respondents at different mailing waves
Between Before postcard and After 1st st postcard 1 replacement replacement p-value Education level (number of respondents in each category – Chi-square test) Some high school 3 0 0 High school diploma/GED 13 2 4 Some college 33 11 13 Bachelor’s degree 59 16 15 Graduate degree 60 10 20 0.714 Overall quality (Average rating within each mailing wave – ANOVA) 4.55 4.60 4.42 0.428
14 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Results
Group and Visitor Characteristics
Visitor group size
Question 20b N=262 visitor groups* On this visit, how many people were in your personal group, including yourself? 5 or more 7%
Results 4 11% • 57% of visitor groups consisted of two people (see Figure 1). Group 3 10%
size • 21% were in groups of three or four. 2 57%
14% 1
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Money Generation Model (MGM) Figure 1. Visitor group size
Visitor group type
Question 20a N=262 visitor groups On this visit, what kind of personal Family 74% group (not guided tour/school/other organized group) were you with? Alone 15% Results Group Friends 8% • 74% of visitor groups consisted of type family members (see Figure 2). Family and 3% friends • 15% were alone. Other 0%
0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents
Figure 2. Visitor group type
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Visitors with organized groups
Question 19a N=233 visitor groups On this visit, were you and your personal group part of a commercial With Yes 0% guided tour group? commecial guided tour group? No 100% Results • No visitor groups were part of a 0 50 100 150 200 250 commercial guided tour group Number of respondents (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Visitors with a commercial guided tour group
Question 19b N=235 visitor groups On this visit, were you and your personal group part of a school/ Yes 1% educational group? WIth school/ educational group? No 99% Results • 1% of visitor groups were part of a school/educational group 0 50 100 150 200 250 (see Figure 4). Number of respondents
Figure 4. Visitors with a school/educational group
Question 19c N=232 visitor groups On this visit, were you and your Yes 0% personal group part of an “other” With ''other'' organized group (business, church, organized scout, etc.)? group? No 100%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 250 • No visitor groups were part of an “other” organized group Number of respondents (see Figure 5). Figure 5. Visitors with an “other” organized group
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Question 19d If you were with one of these N=2 visitor groups organized groups, how many 11 or more 50% people, including yourself, were in Group CAUTION! this group? size Up to 10 50%
Results - Interpret with CAUTION! 0 1 • Not enough visitor groups responded to this question to Number of respondents provide reliable results (see Figure 6). Figure 6. Organized group size
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Money Generation Model (MGM)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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United States visitors by state of residence
Table 4. United States visitors by state of residence* Question 22b For you and your personal Percent of Percent of group on this visit, what is Number U.S. visitors total visitors your state of residence? of N=578 N=582 State visitors individuals individuals Note: Response was limited to seven members from New Mexico 165 29 28 each visitor group. Colorado 80 14 14 Texas 77 13 13 Results California 36 6 6 • U.S. visitors were from Arizona 28 5 5 40 states and Oklahoma 18 3 3 Washington, D.C. and Illinois 16 3 3 comprised 99% of total Missouri 13 2 2 visitation to the park Kansas 11 2 2 during the survey Massachusetts 10 2 2 period. 9 2 Florida 2 9 2 • 29% of U.S. visitors New York 2 came from New Wisconsin 9 2 2 Mexico (see Table 4 27 other states and 97 17 17 Washington, D.C. and Figure 7).
• 14% came from Colorado and 13% were from Texas.
• Smaller proportions of U.S. visitors came from 37 other states and Washington, D.C.
10% or more • 4% to 9%
2% to 3% Alaska less than 2% N = 578 individuals
American Samoa Guam Hawaii
Fort Union National Puerto Rico Monument
Figure 7. Proportions of United States visitors by state of residence
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Visitors from New Mexico and adjacent states by county of residence
Note: Response was limited to Table 5. New Mexico and adjacent state visitors by county of seven members from residence* each visitor group. Number of adjacent • Visitors from New Mexico state visitors and adjacent states were County, State N=365 individuals Percent from 61 counties and Bernalillo County, NM 70 19 comprised 63% of the total El Paso County, CO 22 6 U.S. visitation to the park during the survey period. Santa Fe County, NM 22 6 Sandoval County, NM 18 5 • 19% of these visitors came Denver County, CO 15 4 from Bernalillo County, NM Harris County, TX 13 4 (see Table 5). Maricopa County, AZ 11 3 San Miguel County, NM 11 3 • 6% came from El Paso Adams County, CO 8 2 County, CO. Dallas County, TX 8 2
Doña Ana County, NM 8 2 • 6% came from Santa Fe County, NM. Jefferson County, CO 8 2 Pima County, AZ 8 2 • Smaller proportions came Arapahoe County, CO 7 2 from 58 other counties in Lubbock County, TX 7 2 adjacent states. Montgomery County, TX 7 2 Douglas County, CO 6 2 El Paso County, TX 6 2 Pueblo County, CO 6 2 Travis County, TX 6 2 Valencia County, NM 6 2 40 other counties 92 25
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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International visitors by country of residence
Question 22b Table 6. International visitors by country of residence * For you and your personal group on this visit, what is Percent of international Percent of your country of residence? visitors total visitors Number N=4 N=582 Note: Response was limited to Country of visitors individuals individuals seven members from each visitor group. Czech Republic 2 50 1 Australia 1 25 <1 Results – Interpret with CAUTION! Egypt 1 25 <1
• Not enough visitor groups responded to this question to provide reliable results (see Table 6).
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Number of visits in past 5 years
Question 22c For you and your personal group on this N=568 individuals visit, how many times have you visited Fort Union NM in the past 5 years 3 or more 3% (including this visit)? Number 2 7% Note: Response was limited to seven of visits members from each visitor group. 1 90% Results • 90% of visitors were visiting the park for the first time (see Figure 8). 0 200 400 600 Number of respondents • 7% visited two times. Figure 8. Number of visits to park in the past 5 years
Number of visits in lifetime
Question 22d N=487 individuals For you and your personal group on this visit, how many times have you visited 3 or more 6% Fort Union NM in your lifetime (including this visit)? Number 2 12% of visits Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. 1 82%
Results 0 200 400 • 82% of visitors were visiting the park for the first time (see Number of respondents Figure 9). Figure 9. Number of visits to park in lifetime • 12% visited two times.
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Visitor age
Question 22a N=614 individuals For you and your personal group on 76 or older 5% this visit, what is your current age? 71-75 7% Note: Response was limited to seven 14% members from each visitor group. 66-70 61-65 14% Results • Visitor ages ranged from 2 to 89 56-60 13% years. 51-55 11% • 52% of visitors were in the 51–70 7% years age group (see Figure 10). 46-50 41-45 4% • 11% were 15 years or younger. Age group (years) 36-40 4% • 12% were 71 years or older. 31-35 2%
26-30 2% 21-25 2%
16-20 4%
11-15 4%
10 or younger 7%
0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents
Figure 10. Visitor age
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Visitor ethnicity
Question 23a N=562 individuals Are you or members of your group Hispanic or Latino? Yes 10% Hispanic or Latino? Note: Response was limited to seven No 90% members from each visitor group.
Results 0 200 400 600 Number of respondents • 10% of visitors were Hispanic or Latino (see Figure 11). Figure 11. Visitors who were Hispanic or Latino
Visitor race
Question 23b N=577 individuals* What is your race? What is the race of White 97% each member of your personal group? Multiple 1% Note: Response was limited to seven races members from each visitor group. Asian 1% Race Results American Indian 1% • 97% of visitors were White (see or Alaska Native Figure 12). Native Hawaiian <1% or Pacific Islander • 1% were American Indian or Alaska Black or African 0% Native American
0 200 400 600 Number of respondents
Figure 12. Visitor race
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Language used for speaking and reading
Question 25a N=252 visitor groups When visiting an area such as Fort Union English 98% NM, which language(s) do you and most members of your personal group prefer Language to use for speaking? Other 2%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 250 • 98% of visitor groups reported Number of respondents English as their preferred language
for speaking (see Figure 13). Figure 13. Language preferred for speaking
• Other languages (2%) are listed in Table 7.
Question 25b N=246 visitor groups When visiting an area such as Fort Union English 98% NM, which language(s) do you and most members of your personal group prefer Language to use for reading? Other 2%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 250 • 98% of visitor groups preferred Number of respondents English for reading (see Figure 14).
Figure 14. Language preferred for reading • Other languages (2%) are listed in Table 8.
Table 7. Other languages preferred for speaking Table 8. Other languages preferred for speaking (N=5 comments) CAUTION! (N=4 comments) CAUTION!
Number of times Number of times Language mentioned Language mentioned Spanish 3 Spanish 3 German 1 German 1
Russian 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Visitors with physical conditions
Question 21a N=259 visitor groups Does anyone in your personal group have a physical condition that made it Yes 9% difficult to access or participate in park Have a physical activities or services? condition? No 91%
Results • 9% of visitor groups had members 0 50 100 150 200 250 with physical conditions that made Number of respondents it difficult to access or participate in park activities or services (see Figure 15. Visitor groups that had members Figure 15). with physical conditions
Question 21b Results – Interpret with CAUTION! If YES, what services or activities • 23 visitor groups commented on the were difficult to access/participate in? services and activities that were (open-ended) difficult to access or participate in (see Table 9).
Table 9. Services or activities that were difficult to access or participate in (N=24 comments; one visitor group made more than one comment.) CAUTION!
Number of times Service mentioned Walking 14 Walking tour 4 Viewing outdoor exhibits 2 Entire fort 1 Moving around the wagons 1 Outside self guided tour 1 Trails are challenging for 1 wheelchair
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
25 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Question 21c Results – Interpret with CAUTION! What specific problem did the person • 20 visitor groups commented on the have? (open-ended) specific problems related to physical conditions (see Table 10).
Table 10. Specific problems (N=20 comments) CAUTION!
Number of times Problem mentioned Walking issues 4 Arthritis 3 Difficulty maneuvering wheelchair 2 Walking distances 2 Back issues 1 Bad feet 1 Degenerative disk disease 1 Heart disease/pacemaker 1 Injured foot 1 Medical conditions (unspecified) 1 Old age infirmities 1 Out of shape 1 Walk with braces and 2 canes 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Respondents’ level of education
Question 24 N=259 respondents For you only, what is the highest Graduate degree 35% level of education you have completed? Bachelor's degree 35% Results Level of • 35% of respondents had a Some college 22% education graduate degree (see High school Figure 16). 7% diploma/GED • 35% had a bachelor’s degree. Some high school 1%
0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents
Figure 16. Respondents’ level of education
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
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Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences
Information sources prior to visit
Question 1a N=258 visitor groups Prior to your visit, how did you and Yes 73% your personal group obtain Obtained information about Fort Union NM? information? No 27%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 • 73% of visitor groups obtained information about Fort Union NM Number of respondents prior to their visit (see Figure 17). Figure 17. Visitor groups that obtained
information about Fort Union NM prior to visit As shown in Figure 18, among • those visitor groups that obtained N=188 visitor groups** information about Fort Union NM prior to their visit, the most Maps/brochures 30% common sources were: Park website 29% 30% Maps/brochures 29% Park website Travel guides/tour books 26% 26% Travel guides/tour books Previous visits 22% • “Other” sources (15%) were: Friends/relatives/ 21% word or mouth Books Newspaper/ 14% Class on New Mexico history magazine articles Highway/road signs Other National Park 13% History books Service sites/units National parks books Other websites 10% National Parks Passport Source Rest area display on I-25 Local businesses 5% Chamber of commerce/ visitors bureau/ 4% state welcome center Genealogy research 4%
Television/radio programs/ 1% videos Inquiry to the park 1% via phone, mail, email
Social media 1%
Other 15%
0 20 40 60 Number of respondents
Figure 18. Sources of information prior to visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
28 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Question 1c N=187 visitor groups From the sources you used prior to Yes 94% this visit, did you and your personal Received group receive the type of information needed about the park that you needed? information? No 6%
Results • 94% of visitor groups received 0 50 100 150 200 needed information prior to their Number of respondents visit (see Figure 19).
Figure 19. Visitor groups that received needed information prior to their visit
Question 1d Results – Interpret with CAUTION! If NO, what type of park information • 6 visitor groups listed information they did you and your personal group needed but was not available (see need that was not available? Table 11). (open-ended)
Table 11. Needed information (N=6 comments) CAUTION!
Number of times Type of information mentioned Cost of touring the fort 1 Hours of operation 1 Information about a particular 1 park ranger Maps 1 More detailed information 1 RV parking availability 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
29 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Information sources for future visit
Question 1b N=206 visitor groups** If you were to visit Fort Union NM in Park website 64% the future, how would you and your personal group prefer to obtain Maps/brochures 37% information about the park? Travel guides/tour books 28% Results • As shown in Figure 20, visitor Previous visits 20% groups’ most preferred sources of Other National Park 19% information to plan a future visit Service sites/units were: Chamber of commerce/ visitors bureau/ 14% state welcome center 64% Park website Other websites 14% 37% Maps/brochures 28% Travel guides/tour books Friends/relatives/ 13% Source word or mouth Newspaper/ • “Other” sources of information 13% (3%) were: magazine articles Inquiry to the park 8% via phone, mail, email History books History journals Local businesses 6% National Parks Passport Television/radio programs/ 4% videos
Genealogy research 4%
Social media 2%
Other 3%
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 20. Sources of information to use for a future visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
30 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Park website
Question 2a N=251 visitor groups Did you and your personal group Yes 26% obtain information from the park Used park website (www.nps.gov/foun) to plan website? this visit to Fort Union NM? No 74%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 26% of visitor groups obtained • Number of respondents information from the park website to plan their visit (see Figure 21). Figure 21. Visitor groups that obtained
information from the park website to plan this visit
Question 2b N=64 visitor groups Overall, how would you and your Very good 42% personal group rate the quality of information provided on the park website? Good 39%
Results Average 17% Rating • 81% of visitor groups rated the quality of the information on the park website “very good” or “good” Poor 2% see Figure 22). Very poor 0% • 17% rated the quality of the information as “average.” 0 10 20 30
Number of respondents
Figure 22. Quality of information provided on park website
Question 2c N=63 visitor groups Did you find the information that your Yes 94% personal group needed on the park Found needed website? information? No 6% Results • 94% of visitor groups found the 0 20 40 60 information they needed on the Number of respondents park website (see Figure 23).
Figure 23. Visitor groups that received needed information from park website
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
31 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Question 2d Results If NO, what type of information did you • 4 visitor groups listed information and your personal group need that was they needed on the park website, not available? but was not available (see Table 12).
Table 12. Needed information on the park website (N=4 comments) CAUTION!
Number of times Type of information mentioned A way to verify RV parking space 1 Detailed history 1 More pictures on the website 1 Philmont BSA conference 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
32 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Primary reason for visiting park area
Question 3 N=256 visitor groups On this trip, what was the primary reason that you and your personal Yes 3% group came to the Fort Union NM Area resident? area? No 97%
Results • 3% of visitor groups were 0 50 100 150 200 250 residents of the area (see Number of respondents Figure 24). Figure 24. Residents of the area (within 50 miles) • As shown in Figure 25, the most of Fort Union NM common primary reasons for visiting the area of Fort Union NM, among visitor groups that were not residents, were: N=227 visitor groups*
Visit the park 38% 38% Visit the park 37% Traveling through – Traveling through - 37% unplanned visit unplanned visit
Visit other attractions 15% • “Other” primary reasons (2%) Reason in the area were: for visit Visit friends/relatives 8% in the area Hike Husband entered in a team Business <1% roping event Photography Other 2% Picnic 0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for Figure 25. Primary reason for visiting the area the Money Generation Model (MGM) (within 50 miles) of Fort Union NM
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
33 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Reasons/motivations for visiting the park
Question 4 N=254 visitor groups** On this visit, what were your Visit historic site/ 74% personal group’s reasons/ learn history motivations for visiting Fort Union Passing through 44% NM? to another destination
Results Saw a sign on 24% • As shown in Figure 26, the the highway most common primary Visit a National Park 23% reason for visiting the park Service site was: Obtain stamp Reason in National Park 19% 74% Visit historic for visit Passport Book site/learn history Visit other attractions 14% in the area • “Other” reasons (3%) were: Show the park to 12% Have traveled by many friends/relatives times Attend a 3% Junior Ranger program special event Photography See the Santa Fe Trail Research genealogy 1% ruts Seeking out a particular ranger Other 3%
0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data Figure 26. Reasons/motivations for visiting the park for the Money Generation Model (MGM)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
34 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Services used in nearby communities
Question 26a N=246 visitor groups Please indicate all the services that Yes 76% you and your personal group used Used that were specifically related to this services? park visit in the nearby communities No 24% of Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Mora, Cimarron, and Raton. 0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents Results
• 76% of visitor groups used Figure 27. Visitor groups that used support support services in nearby services in nearby communities on this visit communities (see Figure 27).
• As shown in Figure 28, the N=188 visitor groups** support services most commonly used in nearby communities Bought gasoline 34% were: Ate meals in 30% restaurants 34% Bought gasoline Visited other nature/ 22% 30% Ate meals in historic/museum sites Stayed overnight in restaurants 18% 22% Visited other nature/ motel/hotel/B&B historic/museum sites Shopped 16% Service • “Other” support service (1%) Bought groceries 12% used was: Obtained other travel/ 11% Ballooned tourist information Obtained information 10% about park Stayed overnight in 6% campground/RV park
Other 1%
0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents
Figure 28. Support services used in nearby communities
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
35 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Question 26b N=94 visitor groups** Ate meals in In which communities did you and 72% restaurants your personal group obtain these support services? Bought gasoline 61%
Visited other nature/ 52% Results historic/museum sites
Santa Fe Shopped 52% Stayed overnight in 41% • As shown in Figure 29, the motel/hotel/B&B Service services most commonly obtained Bought groceries 32% in Santa Fe were: Obtained other travel/ 31% tourist information 72% Ate meals in restaurants Obtained information 14% 61% Bought gasoline about park Stayed overnight in 6% • No “other” support services (2%) campground/RV park were specified. Other 2%
0 20 40 60 80
Number of respondents
Figure 29. Services obtained in Santa Fe
Las Vegas N=119 visitor groups** Ate meals in 70% restaurants • As shown in Figure 30, the services most commonly obtained Bought gasoline 67% in Las Vegas were: Stayed overnight in 34% motel/hotel/B&B 70% Ate meals in restaurants Shopped 29% 67% Bought gasoline Visited other nature/ 27% historic/museum sites • No “other” support services (1%) Service were specified. Bought groceries 26%
Obtained other travel/ 20% tourist information Obtained information 16% about park Stayed overnight in 5% campground/RV park
Other 1%
0 30 60 90 Number of respondents
Figure 30. Services obtained in Las Vegas
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
36 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=16 visitor groups** Mora Bought gasoline 31%
Ate meals in 31% • Not enough visitor groups restaurants responded to this question to Visited other nature/ 25% provide reliable results (see historic/museum sites Figure 31). Obtained other travel/ 19% tourist information
Stayed overnight in 13% motel/hotel/B&B Service Bought groceries 13%
Stayed overnight in 6% campground/RV park CAUTION! Shopped 6%
Obtained information 0% about park
Other 0%
0 1 2 3 4 5 Number of respondents
Figure 31. Services obtained in Mora
Cimarron N=19 visitor groups** Visited other nature/ 68% historic/museum sites • Not enough visitor groups Ate meals in 68% responded to this question to restaurants provide reliable results (see Figure 32). Bought gasoline 37% Obtained other travel/ 26% tourist information
Shopped 16% Service Stayed overnight in 11% motel/hotel/B&B
Stayed overnight in 5% campground/RV park CAUTION! Bought groceries 5%
Obtained information 0% about park
Other 0%
0 5 10 15 Number of respondents
Figure 32. Services obtained in Cimarron
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
37 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=61 visitor groups** Raton Bought gasoline 74%
Ate meals in 56% • As shown in Figure 33, the restaurants services most commonly obtained Visited other nature/ 34% in Raton were: historic/museum sites Stayed overnight in 34% 74% Bought gasoline motel/hotel/B&B 56% Ate meals in restaurants Obtained other travel/ 15% tourist information Service Obtained information 11% • No “other” support services (2%) about park were specified. Shopped 10%
Bought groceries 8%
Stayed overnight in 7% campground/RV park
Other 2%
0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of respondents
Figure 33. Services obtained in Raton
Question 26c Results – Interpret with CAUTION! If you have any comments about • 3% of visitor groups (N=9) made community services, please list them comments about community services below. (see Table 13).
Table 13. Comments about services in nearby communities (N=12 comments, some visitor groups made more than one comment.) CAUTION!
Service Community Comment All Santa Fe Always great experience Brown Hotel and Cafe Springer Great site Camping Las Vegas KOA very nice Diner Trinidad No specific comment Gas Wagon Mound No specific comment Meal Angel Fire No specific comment Motel Eagle’s Nest No specific comment Plaza Hotel Las Vegas Historic and very nice Police Las Vegas Drunken vagrant in park plaza begging for handouts Roads Las Vegas Getting around horrid; had intended to shop downtown but couldn't Tourist information Cimarron Great help Tourist information Las Vegas Could not find due to highway construction
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
38 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Adequacy of directional signs
Questions 5a-5c Results On this visit, were the signs directing • Table 14 shows visitor groups’ ratings of the you and your personal group to Fort adequacy of signs directing them to the Union NM adequate? park.
Table 14. Ratings of directional signs (N=the number of visitor groups that rated each type of sign)
Adequacy (%) Did not use Type of sign N Yes No N % Interstate 253 93 1 14 6 State highway 225 76 2 49 22 Community 208 28 3 144 69
Question 5d Results – Interpret results with CAUTION! If you answered NO to any of the • 9 visitor groups commented on problems above, please explain. with directional signs (see Table 15).
Table 15. Comments on directional signs (N=10 comments, one visitor group made more than one comment.) CAUTION!
Number of times Type of sign Comment mentioned Interstate Didn't contain enough information 1 Didn't see any signs 1 Too few signs 1 State highway Confusing and far apart 1 Misspelled "monument" (monuement) 1 Santa Fe Trail crossing signs need improvement 1 Too few signs 1 City street Too few signs 2 signs in 1 Confusion with Fort Union Ranch communities
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
39 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Number of vehicles
Question 20c N=253 visitor groups On this visit, how many vehicles did you 2 or more 4% and your personal group use to arrive at the Fort Union NM? Number of vehicles 1 96% Results • 96% of visitor groups used one 0 50 100 150 200 250 vehicle to arrive at the park (see Number of respondents Figure 34). Figure 34. Number of vehicles used to arrive at the park
Number of entries
Question 20d N=252 visitor groups On this visit, how many times did you 2 or more 3% and your personal group enter Fort Union NM? Number of entries 1 97% Results • 97% of visitor groups entered the 0 50 100 150 200 250 park one time (see Figure 35). Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Figure 35. Number of entries to the park Money Generation Model (MGM)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
40 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Overnight stay
Question 6a N=253 visitor groups On this trip, did you and your personal group stay overnight away from your Yes 46% Stayed permanent residence in the area within overnight? 50 miles of Fort Union NM? No 54%
Results 0 50 100 150 • 46% of visitor groups stayed overnight away from their Number of respondents permanent residence within 50 miles of the park (see Figure 36). Figure 36. Visitor groups that stayed overnight within 50 miles of the park
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Money Generation Model (MGM)
Question 6b N=108 visitor groups If YES, please list the number of nights 4 or more 16% you and your personal group stayed in the Fort Union NM area. 3 12%
Results Number 2 20% • 52% of visitor groups stayed one of nights night within 50 miles of Fort Union 1 52% NM (see Figure 37).
0 20 40 60 • 32% stayed two or three nights. Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Figure 37. Number of nights spent within 50 Money Generation Model (MGM) miles of the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
41 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Lodging used in the area
Question 6c N=116 visitor groups** In which types of lodging did you Lodges, hotels, motels, vacation 69% and your personal group spend the rentals, B&B, etc. night(s) in the area within 50 miles of the park? RV/trailer camping 12%
Results Residence of friends 9% • 69% of visitor groups stayed or relatives in a lodge, hotel, motel, vacation rental, B&B, etc. Tent camping Type of in developed 4% (see Figure 38). lodging campground
Personal seasonal 2% • 12% were RV/trailer camping. residence
• “Other” (3%) types of lodging were: Backcountry camping 0%
College Other 3% High school dorm Rest area 0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for Figure 38. Lodging used in the area within 50 the Money Generation Model (MGM) miles of the park
Length of visit
Question 8 N=251 visitor groups On this visit to Fort Union NM, how much time in total did you and your 4 or more 5% personal group spend visiting the park? 3 10%
Results Number of hours • 55% of visitor groups spent 2 2 55% hours visiting the park (see Figure 39). Up to 1 30% • 30% spent up to 1 hour.
0 50 100 150 • The average length of visit was 1.8 hours. Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for Figure 39. Number of hours spent visiting the park the Money Generation Model (MGM)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
42 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Local and regional attractions
Question 7 N=247 visitor groups What other local and regional Yes 70% attractions did you and your personal group visit on this trip to Visited other attractions? Fort Union NM? No 30%
Results 0 50 100 150 200 • 70% of visitor groups visited other Number of respondents local and regional attractions (see
Figure 40). Figure 40. Visitor groups that visited other local and regional attractions • As shown in Figure 41, of visitor groups that visited other local and regional N=172 visitor groups** attractions, the most common sites were: Las Vegas 47%
Santa Fe Trail 44% 47% Las Vegas 44% Santa Fe Trail Pecos NHP 33%
• “Other” local and regional Raton 25% attractions (29%) are listed in Capulin Volcano 20% Table 16. National Monument
Cimarron 16% Attraction Mora 13%
Enchanted Circle 10% Scenic Byway
Bent's Old Fort NHS 9%
United World College 8%
Las Vegas National 5% Wildlife Refuge
Storrie Lake State Park 3%
Other 29%
0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents
Figure 41. Local and regional attraction visited
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
43 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Table 16. “Other” local and regional attractions (N=71 comments)
Number of times Type of information mentioned Taos, NM 10 Santa Fe, NM 8 Bandelier NM 6 Angel Fire, NM 5 Philmont Scout Ranch, NM 4 Sugarite Canyon State Park, NM 3 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 2 El Malpais National Monument, NM 2 Red River, NM 2 Aztec Ruins National Monument, NM 1 Billy the Kid's Grave, NM 1 Camino Real Museum, NM 1 Chaco Culture NHP, NM 1 Conchas Lake, NM 1 Coyote Creek State Park, NM 1 El Morro National Monument, NM 1 Florissant, NM 1 Hermit's Peak, NM 1 Hot Springs, NM 1 Loma Parda, NM 1 Los Alamos Science Museum, NM 1 Los Lunas, NM 1 Mosquero, NM 1 New Mexico History Museum, NM 1 Ocate, NM 1 Ojo Feliz, NM 1 Peralta Canyon, AZ 1 Petroglyph National Monument, NM 1 Philmont Mansion, NM 1 Raspberry farm (unspecified) 1 Roswell, NM 1 Roy, NM 1 Santa Fe National Forest, NM 1 Smokey Bear Museum and Park, NM 1 Springer, NM 1 State park (unspecified) 1 Valle Vidal, NM 1 Wagon Mound, NM 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
44 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Activities on this visit
Question 10a N=257 visitor groups** On this visit, in which activities Viewing outdoor exhibits 88% did you and your personal group participate while at Fort Viewing indoor exhibits 87% Union NM? Taking self-guided 83% Results tour of fort • As shown in Figure 42, the Taking photographs/ 69% most common activities in painting/drawing which visitor groups Shopping at 55% participated were: park bookstore Viewing park video 53% 88% Viewing outdoor exhibits Activity Nature study 15% 87% Viewing indoor exhibits Picnicking 11% 83% Taking self-guided Participating in 6% tour of Junior Ranger program fort Taking ranger-led 5% • “Other” activities (2%) tour of fort were: Attending a special event 4% Learning from and talking with park Researching genealogy 4% rangers Attending living history 3% Learning history demonstrations Obtaining a park stamp Other 2% Seeing Santa Fe Trail
0 100 200 300 Number of respondents
Figure 42. Activities on this visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
45 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Primary activity on this visit
Question 10c N=188 visitor groups* Which one of the above activities was the Taking self-guided 59% primary activity that you and your tour of fort personal group participated in at Fort Viewing outdoor exhibits 22% Union NM on this visit? Taking photographs/ 7% Results painting/drawing • As shown in Figure 43, the most Viewing indoor exhibits 4% common primary activity at Fort Union NM was: Viewing park video 2%
59% Taking self-guided tour of Taking ranger-led 1% tour of fort fort Shopping at park 1% 22% Viewing outdoor exhibits bookstore
Activity Participating in Junior 1% • “Other” primary activities (2%) Ranger program were: Attending a 1% special event Learning history Researching 1% Getting a stamp genealogy
Picnicking 0%
Nature study 0%
Attending living 0% history demonstrations
Other 2%
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Number of respondents
Figure 43. Primary activity while visiting Fort Union NM
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
46 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Future activities
Question 10b N=184 visitor groups** If you were to visit Fort Union NM in the Viewing outdoor exhibits 68% future, in which activities would you and your personal group expect to participate Viewing indoor exhibits 65% at the park?
Taking photographs/ 60% Results painting/drawing • As shown in Figure 44, the most common activities in which Viewing park video 57% visitor groups expected to Taking self-guided 56% participate on a future visit tour of fort were: Shopping at park 51% bookstore 68% Viewing outdoor exhibits Activity Taking ranger-led 50% 65% Viewing indoor exhibits tour of fort 60% Taking photographs/ Attending living 41% painting/drawing history demonstrations
Nature study 24% • “Other” future activity (2%) was:
Attending a special event 20% Night sky watching
Picnicking 18%
Participating in 8% Junior Ranger program
Researching genealogy 5%
Other 2%
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 44. Activities on future visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
47 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Topics learned on this visit
Question 16a N=number of visitor groups that checked each item During this visit to Fort Union NM, Function of Fort Union 99%, N=238 did you and your personal group as a military outpost learn about the following topics? Santa Fe Trail 96%, N=236 Results • As shown in Figure 45, the most U.S. military history 93%, N=230
common topics that visitor Civil War in the 86%, N=233 groups learned about were: New Mexico Territory
99% Function of Fort Union Westward expansion 83%, N=219 Topic NM as a military 83%, N=222 outpost New Mexico history 96% Santa Fe Trail Native American history 57%, N=220 94% U.S. military history
How National Park 53%, N=216 No “other” topics were specified. Service fulfills mission
New Mexico Volunteers 49%, N=192
Native wildlife 47%, N=211
Other 29%, N=14
0 20 40 60 80 100 Proportion of respondents
Figure 45. Topics visitor groups learned about on this visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
48 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Preferred topics to learn on future visit
Question 16b Would you and your personal group N=255 visitor groups be interested in learning about these topics on a future visit to Fort Union Yes 91% NM? Interested in learning? No 9% Results • 91% of visitor groups were 0 50 100 150 200 250 interested in learning about Number of respondents topics on a future (see Figure 46). Figure 46. Visitor groups that were interested in learning about topics on the future • As shown in Figure 47, among those visitor groups that were interested in learning about the park, the most common topics N=number of visitor groups were: that checked each item
Santa Fe Trail 96%, N=168 96% Santa Fe Trail 95% Function of Fort Union as a Function of Fort Union 95%, N=167 military outpost as a military outpost Civil War in the 95% Civil War in the New 95%, N=170 New Mexico Territory Mexico Territory Westward expansion 93%, N=162 • “Other” topic (73%) was: U.S. military history 93%, N=161 The Star Fort Topic New Mexico history 93%, N=165 Note: Although 30 visitor groups indicated “other” topics to learn on Native American history 88%, N=173
a future visit, only one visitor group Native wildlife 79%, N=160 specified the topic. How National Park 72%, N=161 Service fulfills mission New Mexico Volunteers 68%, N=148
Other 73%, N=30
0 20 40 60 80 100 Proportion of respondents
Figure 47. Topics visitor groups would be interested in learning about on a future visit
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
49 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Safety issues
Question 9a N=255 visitor groups Please indicate how safe you and Very safe 89% your personal group felt in Fort Union NM during this visit. Somewhat safe 3% Results 89% of visitor groups felt “very Neither safe • 2% safe” at Fort Union NM during Source nor unsafe this visit (see Figure 48). Somewhat unsafe 1%
Very unsafe 5%
0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of respondents
Figure 48. Visitor groups’ feeling of safety
Question 9b Results – Interpret results with CAUTION! If you indicated that you felt “very unsafe” • 3 visitor groups listed reasons for feeling or “somewhat unsafe” in the park, please “very unsafe” or “somewhat unsafe” and explain where and why. the locations (see Table 17).
Table 17. Reasons for and locations where visitors did not feel safe (N=3 comments) CAUTION!
Number of times Reason Location mentioned Rattlesnakes Park site 2 Lightning Park site 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
50 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Ratings of Services, Facilities, Attributes, and Resources
Visitor services and facilities used
Question 12a N=241 visitor groups** Please indicate all the visitor services and facilities that you or your personal Visitor center (overall) 89% group used during this visit to Fort Union NM. Visitor center restrooms 84%
Results Visitor center exhibits 84% • As shown in Figure 49, the most common visitor services and Assistance from 75% facilities used by visitor groups park staff were: Park brochure/map 68% 89% Visitor center (overall) 84% Visitor center restrooms Interpretive trail 57% 84% Visitor center exhibits exhibits Sevice/ Interpretive trails 55% • The least used service/facility facility was: Sales items in 46% park bookstore 5% Ranger-led programs Site bulletins 31%
Park website 23%
Picnic areas 12%
Junior Ranger program 6%
Ranger-led programs 5%
0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of respondents
Figure 49. Visitor services and facilities used
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
51 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Importance ratings of visitor services and facilities
Question 12b N=number of visitor groups Next, for only those services and that rated each item facilities that you or your personal Visitor center (overall) 94%, N=205 group used, please rate their importance from 1-5. Interpretive trails 92%, N=123
1=Not important Visitor center 89%, N=196 2=Somewhat important restrooms 3=Moderately important Interpretive trail 88%, N=131 4=Very important exhibits 5=Extremely important Visitor center 85%, N=195 Service/ exhibits Results facility • Figure 53 shows the Site bulletins 84%, N=69 combined proportions of
“extremely important” and Park brochure/map 83%, N=157 “very important” ratings of visitor services and facilities Park website 79%, N=54 that were rated by 30 or more
visitor groups. Assistance from 78%, N=174 park staff • The services and facilities Sales items in park 38%, N=106 receiving the highest bookstore combined proportions of “extremely important” and 0 20 40 60 80 100 “very important” ratings were: Proportion of respondents
94% Visitor center (overall) 92% Interpretive trails Figure 50. Combined proportions of “extremely • Table 18, followed by Figures important” and “very important” ratings of visitor 51 to 63, show the importance services and facilities ratings of each service and facility.
• The services and facilities receiving the highest “not important” ratings that were rated by 30 or more visitor groups were:
1% Interpretive trails 1% Park brochure/map 1% Sales items in park bookstore 1% Site bulletins
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
52 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Table 18. Importance ratings of visitor services and facilities (N=number of visitors that rated each service and facility)
Rating (%)
Not Somewhat Moderately Very Extremely Service/facility N important important important important important Assistance from park staff 174 1 1 21 27 51 Fort Union National Monument website: 54 0 7 13 31 48 www.nps.gov/foun (used before or during visit) Interpretive trail exhibits 131 0 0 12 38 50 Interpretive trails 123 1 1 7 40 52 Junior Ranger program – 13 0 0 31 31 38 CAUTION! Park brochure/map 157 1 5 11 30 53 Picnic areas – CAUTION! 28 0 14 32 32 21 Ranger-led programs – 10 0 0 20 30 50 CAUTION! Sales items in park bookstore (selection, 106 2 21 40 24 14 price, etc.) Site bulletins (e.g. Sites & Structures, Civil War 69 1 0 14 33 51 Earthworks) Visitor center exhibits 195 0 2 13 43 42 Visitor center restrooms 196 0 3 9 27 62 Visitor center (overall) 205 0 <1 5 40 54
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
53 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=174 visitor groups* N=54 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 51% 48% important important
Very Very 27% 31% important important
Moderately Moderately 21% 13% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 1% 7% important important
Not Not 1% 0% important important
0 25 50 75 100 0 10 20 30 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 51. Importance of assistance from park Figure 52. Importance of Fort Union NM staff website (www.nps.gov/foun)
N=131 visitor groups N=123 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 50% 52% important important
Very Very 38% 40% important important
Moderately Moderately 12% 7% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 0% 1% important important
Not Not 0% 1% important important
0 30 60 90 0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 53. Importance of interpretive trail Figure 54. Importance of interpretive trails exhibits
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
54 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=13 visitor groups N=157 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 38% 53% important important
Very Very 31% 30% important important
Moderately Moderately 31% 11% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 0% 5% important CAUTION! important
Not Not 0% 1% important important
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 30 60 90 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 55. Importance of Junior Ranger Figure 56. Importance of park brochure/map program
N=28 visitor groups* N=10 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 21% 50% important important
Very Very 32% 30% important important
Moderately Moderately 32% 20% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 14% 0% important CAUTION! important CAUTION!
Not Not 0% 0% important important
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 57. Importance of picnic areas Figure 58. Importance of ranger-led programs
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
55 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=106 visitor groups* N=69 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 14% 51% important important
Very Very 24% 33% important important
Moderately Moderately 40% 14% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 21% 0% important important
Not Not 2% 1% important important
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 59. Importance of sales items in park Figure 60. Importance of site bulletins (e.g. bookstore (selection, price, etc.) Sites & Structures, Civil Earthworks)
N=195 visitor groups N=196 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 42% 62% important important
Very Very 43% 27% important important
Moderately Moderately 13% 9% Rating important Rating important
Somewhat Somewhat 2% 3% important important
Not Not 0% 0% important important
0 30 60 90 0 50 100 150 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 61. Importance of visitor center Figure 62. Importance of visitor center exhibits restrooms
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
56 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=205 visitor groups* Extremely 54% important
Very 40% important
Moderately 5% Rating important
Somewhat <1% important
Not 0% important
0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents
Figure 63. Importance of visitor center (overall)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
57 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Quality ratings of visitor services and facilities
Question 12c Finally, for only those services N=number of visitor groups and facilities that you or your that rated each item Assistance from personal group used, please rate 98%, N=168 park staff their quality from 1-5.
Visitor center (overall) 95%, N=202 1=Very poor
2=Poor Visitor center 94%, N=194 3=Average restrooms 4=Good Visitor center 91%, N=190 5=Very good exhibits
Results Park brochure/map 91%, N=157 • Figure 64 shows the Service/ combined proportions of “very facility Interpretive trails 89%, N=118 good” and “good” quality ratings of visitor services and facilities that were rated by 30 Park website 83%, N=52 or more visitor groups. Site bulletins 82%, N=66 • The services and facilities that Sales items in park received the highest 76%, N=104 combined proportions of “very bookstore good” and “good” quality Interpretive trail 70%, N=132 ratings were: exhibits
98% Assistance from park 0 20 40 60 80 100 staff Proportion of respondents 95% Visitor center (overall) Figure 64. Combined proportions of “very good” and “good” quality ratings of visitor services and facilities • Table 19, followed by Figures 65 to 77, show the quality ratings of each service and facility.
• The service/facility receiving the highest “very poor” quality rating that was rated by 30 or more visitor groups was:
5% Interpretive trail exhibits
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
58 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Table 19. Quality ratings of visitor services and facilities (N=number of visitors that rated each service and facility)
Rating (%) Service/facility N Very poor Poor Average Good Very good Assistance from park staff 168 0 1 1 18 80 Fort Union National Monument website 52 2 0 15 31 52 www.nps.gov/foun (used before or during visit) Interpretive trail exhibits 132 5 4 22 40 30 Interpretive trails 118 3 1 8 49 40 Junior Ranger program – 12 0 0 8 17 75 CAUTION! Park brochure/map 157 0 1 8 36 55 Picnic areas 26 4 4 38 35 19 Ranger-led programs – 8 0 0 0 38 63 CAUTION! Sales items in bookstore 104 0 1 23 38 38 (selection, price, etc.) Site bulletins (e.g. Sites & Structures, Civil War 66 0 0 18 23 59 Earthworks) Visitor center exhibits 190 0 0 9 36 55 Visitor center restrooms 194 0 0 6 31 63 Visitor center (overall) 202 0 0 5 27 68
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
59 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=168 visitor groups N=52 visitor groups
Very good 80% Very good 52%
Good 18% Good 31%
Average 1% Average 15% Rating Rating
Poor 1% Poor 0%
Very poor 0% Very poor 2%
0 50 100 150 0 10 20 30 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 65. Quality of assistance from park Figure 66. Quality of Fort Union NM website staff (www.nps.gov/foun)
N=132 visitor groups* N=118 visitor groups*
Very good 30% Very good 40%
Good 40% Good 49%
Average 22% Average 8% Rating Rating
Poor 4% Poor 1%
Very poor 5% Very poor 3%
0 20 40 60 0 20 40 60 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 67. Quality of interpretive trail exhibits Figure 68. Quality of interpretive trail
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
60 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=12 visitor groups N=157 visitor groups
Very good 75% Very good 55%
Good 17% Good 36%
Average 8% Average 8% Rating Rating
Poor 0% CAUTION! Poor 1%
Very poor 0% Very poor 0%
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 30 60 90 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 69. Quality of Junior Ranger program Figure 70. Quality of park brochure/map
N=26 visitor groups N=8 visitor groups*
Very good 19% Very good 63%
Good 35% Good 38%
Average 38% Average 0% Rating Rating
Poor 4% CAUTION! Poor 0% CAUTION!
Very poor 4% Very poor 0%
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 71. Quality of picnic areas Figure 72. Quality of ranger-led programs
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
61 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=104 visitor groups N=66 visitor groups
Very good 38% Very good 59%
Good 38% Good 23%
Average 23% Average 18% Rating Rating
Poor 1% Poor 0%
Very poor 0% Very poor 0%
0 10 20 30 40 0 10 20 30 40 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 73. Quality of sales items in park Figure 74. Quality of site bulletins (e.g., Sites & bookstore (selection, price, etc.) Structures, Civil Earthworks)
N=190 visitor groups N=194 visitor groups
Very good 55% Very good 63%
Good 36% Good 31%
Average 9% Average 6% Rating Rating
Poor 0% Poor 0%
Very poor 0% Very poor 0%
0 40 80 120 0 50 100 150 Number of respondents Number of respondents
Figure 75. Quality of visitor center exhibits Figure 76. Quality of visitor center restrooms
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
62 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
N=202 visitor groups
Very good 68%
Good 27%
Average 5% Rating
Poor 0%
Very poor 0%
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 77. Quality of visitor center (overall)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
63 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Mean scores of importance and quality ratings of visitor services and facilities
• Figures 78 and 79 show the mean scores of importance and quality ratings of all visitor services/facilities that were rated by 30 or more visitor groups.
• All visitor services/ facilities were rated above average.
Figure 78. Mean scores of importance and quality ratings of visitor services and facilities
Figure 79. Detail of Figure 78
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
64 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Importance of protecting park resources, attributes, and experiences
Question 14 N=number of visitor groups that rated each item It is the National Park Service’s responsibility to protect Fort Union NM’s Historic structures 98%, N=253 natural, scenic and cultural resources and visitor experiences that depend on Archeology 92%, N=248 these. How important is protection of Scenic views without 90%, N=248 the following to you and your personal development group? Clean air 89%, N=245
Results Santa Fe Trail ruts 88%, N=250 • As shown in Figure 80, the highest combined proportions of “extremely Attribute/ Clean water 88%, N=249 resource/ important” and “very important” experience Native animals 86%, N=243 ratings of park resources, attributes, (including birds) and experiences were: Educational 85%, N=250 opportunities 98% Historic structures 92% Archeology Native plants 84%, N=243 Natural quiet/ 90% Scenic views without 81%, N=246 development sounds of nature Solitude 75%, N=247 • The resource/attribute/experience that received the highest “not Dark, starry night sky 73%, N=233 important” rating was: 0 20 40 60 80 100 10% Dark, starry night sky Proportion of respondents
• Table 20 shows the Figure 80. Combined proportions of “very important” importance ratings of park and “extremely important” ratings of protection of park resources, attributes and resources, attributes, and experiences experiences.
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
65 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Table 20. Visitor ratings of importance of protecting park resources, attributes and experiences (N=number of visitors that rated each resource/attribute/experience)
Rating (%) Not Somewhat Moderately Very Extremely Attribute/resource/experience N important important important important important Archeology 248 1 1 5 25 67 Clean water 249 2 2 8 31 57 Clean air (visibility) 245 2 2 6 36 53 Dark, starry night sky 233 10 4 13 30 43 Educational opportunities 250 1 2 11 40 45 Historic structures 253 0 <1 1 21 77 Native animals (including birds) 243 1 2 11 38 48 Native plants 243 1 4 11 37 47 Natural quiet/sounds of nature 246 2 2 13 35 46 Santa Fe Trail ruts 250 1 3 8 26 62 Scenic views without 248 2 0 9 24 66 development Solitude 247 4 4 17 32 43
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
66 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Expenditures
Total expenditures inside and outside the park
Question 18 N=231 visitor groups For you and your personal group, please estimate all expenditures for the items listed $301 or more 21% below for this visit to Fort Union NM and the surrounding area (within 50 miles of the park). $201-300 13% Results • 46% of visitor groups spent $1-100 Amount (see Figure 81). spent $101-200 14%
• 21% spent $301 or more. $1-100 46% • The average visitor group expenditure was $218. Spent no money 6% • The median group expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% of groups spent less) was $90. 0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents • Average expenditure per person (per capita) was $93. Figure 81. Total expenditures inside and outside the park (within 50 miles) • As shown in Figure 82, the largest proportions of total N=231 visitor groups expenditures inside and Camping fees and charges outside the park were: (4%)
Lodges, hotels. motels, 32% Lodges, hotels, motels, Guide fees cabins, B&B, etc. and charges (32%) cabins, B&B, etc. (1%) 20% Restaurants and bars Restaurants and bars (20%) Donations (1%)
All other purchases Groceries and combined takeout food (9%) (7%) Admission, recreation, Gas and oil entertainment fees (19%) (4%)
Other transportation expenses Note: this question was used to generate data (2%) for the Money Generation Model (MGM) Figure 82. Proportions of expenditures inside and outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
67 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Number of adults covered by expenditures
Question 18c N=225 visitor groups* How many adults (18 years or over) do these expenses cover? 3 or more 16%
Results Number 2 68% 68% of visitor groups had two • of adults adults covered by expenditures (see Figure 83). 1 17%
• 17% had one adult. 0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for Figure 83. Number of adults covered by the Money Generation Model (MGM) expenditures
Number of children covered by expenditures
Question 18c How many children (under 18 years) do N=212 visitor groups these expenses cover? 3 or more 4% Results • 81% of visitor groups did not 2 7% have any children covered by expenditures (see Figure 84). Number of children 1 8% • 8% had one child.
0 81%
0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Money Generation Model (MGM) Figure 84. Number of children covered by expenditures
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
68 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Expenditures inside the park
Question 18a N=156 visitor groups* Please list your personal group’s total expenditures inside the park. $51 or more 8%
Results $26-50 12% • 64% of visitor groups spent $1-25 inside the park (see Amount Figure 58). spent $1-25 64%
• 17% spent no money.
Spent no money 17% • The average visitor group expenditure inside the park was $20. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents • The median expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% of groups spent less) Figure 85. Total expenditures inside the park was $9. N=156 visitor groups • Average total expenditure per person (per capita) was $11. Donations (8%) • As shown in Figure 86, the Admission, largest proportions of total recreation, expenditures inside the park entertainment fees were: (39%)
53% All other purchases 39% Admission, recreation, or All other entertainment fees purchases (53%)
Note: this question was used to generate data for the Money Generation Model (MGM) Figure 86. Proportion of expenditures inside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
69 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Admission, recreation, or entertainment fees N=120 visitor groups
$26 or more 3% • 49% of visitor groups spent $1-25 on admission, recreation, or entertainment fees inside the park Amount $1-25 49% (see Figure 87). spent
Spent no money 48% • 48% spent no money.
0 20 40 60 Number of respondents
Figure 87. Expenditures for admission, recreation, or entertainment fees inside the park
All other purchases (souvenirs, film, books, N=131 visitor groups* sporting goods, clothing, etc.) $26 or more 15% • 44% of visitor groups spent $1-25 on other purchases inside the Amount $1-25 44% spent park (see Figure 88).
Spent no money 40% • 40% spent no money.
0 20 40 60 Number of respondents
Figure 88. Expenditures for all other purchase inside the park
Donations N=118 visitor groups
$6 or more 9% • 66% of visitor groups did not spend any money on donations inside the park (see Figure 89). Amount $1-5 25% spent • 25% spent $1-5. Spent no money 66%
0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents
Figure 89. Expenditures for donations inside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
70 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Expenditures outside the park
Question 18b N=218 visitor groups Please list your personal group’s total expenditures in $401 or more 15% the surrounding area outside the park (within 50 miles of the $301-400 6% park).
$201-300 11% Results Amount • 32% of visitor groups spent $101-200 16% spent $1-100 outside the park (see Figure 90). $1-100 32% • 20% spent no money. Spent no money 20% • 16% spent $101-200.
0 20 40 60 80 • The average visitor group expenditure Number of respondents outside the park was $217. Figure 90. Total expenditures outside the park (within 50 miles) • The median expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% of groups N=218 visitor groups spent less) was $99. Lodges, hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. • Average total (34%) Donations expenditure per person (<1%) Camping fees (per capita) was $112. and charges (5%) All other purchases (7%)
• As shown in Figure 91, Guide fees the largest proportions of and charges Admission, recreation, (1%) entertainment fees total expenditures (1%) outside the park were: Restaurants Other transportation and bars expenses 34% Lodges, hotels, (21%) (2%) motels, cabins, B&B, Groceries and Gas and oil etc. takeout food (21%) 21% Gas and oil (8%) 21% Restaurants and bars Figure 91. Proportions of total expenditures outside the Note: this question was used to generate park (within 50 miles) data for the Money Generation Model (MGM)
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
71 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Lodges, hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. N=186 visitor groups
$151 or more 16% • 52% of visitor groups spent no money on lodging outside the park (see Figure 92). $101-150 9%
• 19% spent $51-100. Amount $51-100 19% spent
$1-50 4%
Spent no money 52%
0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents
Figure 92. Expenditures for lodging outside the park
Camping fees and charges N=152 visitor groups
• 86% of visitor groups spent $101 or more 3% no money on camping fees and charges outside the park (see Figure 93). $51-100 5% Amount spent • 11% spent $1-100. $1-50 6%
Spent no money 86%
0 30 60 90 120 150 Number of respondents
Figure 93. Expenditures for camping fees and charges outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
72 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Guide fees and charges N=145 visitor groups*
• 92% of visitor groups spent $11 or more 6% no money on guide fees and charges outside the Amount $1-10 3% park (see Figure 94). spent
• 6% spent $11 or more. Spent no money 92%
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 94. Expenditures for guide fees and charges outside the park
Restaurants and bars N=200 visitor groups*
$151 or more 9% • 41% of visitor groups spent no money at restaurants and bars outside the park (see $101-150 4% Figure 95).
• 36% spent $1-50. Amount $51-100 11% spent $1-50 36%
Spent no money 41%
0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents
Figure 95. Expenditures at restaurants and bars outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
73 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Groceries and takeout food N=165 visitor groups*
• 62% of visitor groups spent $101 or more 5% no money on groceries and takeout food outside the park (see Figure 96). $51-100 7% Amount • 25% spent $1-50. spent $1-50 25%
Spent no money 62%
0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents
Figure 96. Expenditures for groceries and takeout food outside the park
Gas and oil (auto, RV, boat, etc.) N=198 visitor groups
• 49% of visitor groups spent $151 or more 8% $1-50 on gas and oil outside the park (see Figure 97). 3% $101-150 • 30% spent no money. Amount $51-100 10% spent
$1-50 49%
Spent no money 30%
0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents
Figure 97. Expenditures for gas and oil outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
74 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Other transportation expenses (rental cars, N=138 visitor groups* taxis, auto repairs, but NOT airfare) $51 or more 4%
• 93% of visitor groups spent no money on other Amount $1-50 2% spent transportation expenses outside the park (see Figure 98). Spent no money 93%
• 4% spent $51 or more. 0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 98. Expenditures for other transportation expenses outside the park
Admission, recreation, or entertainment fees N=130 visitor groups
$26 or more 5% • 83% of visitor groups spent no money on admission, recreation, or entertainment Amount $1-25 12% spent fees outside the park (see Figure 99). Spent no money 83%
• 12% spent $1-25. 0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents
Figure 99. Expenditures for admission, recreation, or entertainment fees outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
75 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
All other purchases (souvenirs, books, sporting goods, clothing, etc.) N=153 visitor groups
$51 or more 13% • 58% of visitor groups spent no money on other purchases outside the park (see $26-50 11% Figure 100). Amount spent • 18% spent $1-25. $1-25 18%
Spent no money 58%
0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents
Figure 100. Expenditures for all other purchases outside the park
Donations N=126 visitor groups
• 87% of visitor groups did not $11 or more 4% donate any money outside the park (see Figure 10401). Amount $1-10 9% spent • 9% spent $1-10.
Spent no money 87%
0 50 100 150 Number of respondents
Figure 101. Expenditures for donations outside the park
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
76 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Preferences for Future Visit
Preferred methods to learn about the park
Question 15 N=250 visitor groups If you were to visit Fort Union NM in the future, how would you and your Yes 93% personal group prefer to learn about Interested in learning? cultural and natural history/features of No 7% the park?
Results 0 50 100 150 200 250 • 93% of visitor groups were Number of respondents interested in learning about the park on a future visit (see Figure 102. Visitor groups that were interested in Figure 102). learning about the park
• As shown in Figure 103, among N=232 visitor groups** those visitor groups that were Outdoor exhibits 78% interested in learning about the park, the most common methods were: Self-guided tours 75%
78% Outdoor exhibits Indoor exhibits 69% 75% Self-guided tours 69% Indoor exhibits Printed materials 69%
• No “other” methods (1%) were Audiovisual 57% specified. programs
Ranger-led 54% interpretive programs Method of learning Park website 44%
Living history demonstrations/ costumed interpretive 42% programs
Special events 26%
Electronic media 25%
Children's activities 12%
Volunteer 6% opportunities
Other 1%
0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents
Figure 103. Preferred methods for learning ______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
77 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Future visits to the park
Question 11a N=257 visitor groups Would you and members of your Yes, likely 60% personal group consider visiting Fort Union NM again in the future? Visit No, unlikely 17% again? Results • 60% of visitor groups would Not sure 23% consider visiting Fort Union NM again (see Figure 104). 0 50 100 150 200
Number of respondents
Figure 104. Visitor groups’ likelihood to visit Fort Union NM in the future
Question 11b Results What would bring you and your personal • 65% of visitor groups (N=170) group back to visit Fort Union NM again responded to this question. in the future? (open-ended) • Table 21 shows a summary of visitor comments. Table 21. Incentives for future visit (N=183 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment.)
Number of times Comment mentioned Being in the area again 47 Bringing friends/relatives 32 Living history demonstration/reenactment 14 Special events 14 History 13 More time to see it all 11 Photography opportunities 6 Another season 3 Outdoor exhibits 3 Quality employees 3 Exhibits 2 Fate/chance 2 Genealogy/family history 2 History exhibits 2 More Santa Fe Trail information 2 Ranger-led tour of fort 2 Unsure 2 Won't be back in the area 2 Activities done on this visit 1 Another history road map 1 Campground on premises 1 Food 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
78 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Table 21. Incentives for future visit (continued)
Number of times Comment mentioned Having rattlesnake repellant 1 Having water 1 More information 1 Nature study 1 New discovery of historical/archaeological 1 importance New exhibits 1 Nothing 1 One fully restored quarters (officer-enlisted) 1 Philmont BSA conference 1 Picnicking 1 Quality of the park 1 Shopping opportunities 1 Tour of original fort on private land 1 Viewing actual sections of fort 1 Visit portion of fort that is ranger-led twice a 1 year Will return regardless 1 Working forge 1
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
79 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1–23, 2010
Overall Quality
Question 13 N=257 visitor groups* Overall, how would you and your personal group rate the quality of Very good 63% facilities, services, and recreational opportunities at Fort Union NM Good 31% during this visit?
Results Average 5% • 94% of visitor groups rated the Rating overall quality of facilities, services, and recreational Poor 1% opportunities as “very good” or “good” (see Figure 105). Very poor 1% • 2% visitor groups rated the quality as “very poor” or “poor.” 0 50 100 150 200
Number of respondents
Figure 105. Overall quality rating of facilities, services, and recreational opportunities
______*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer
80 Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1-23, 2010
Visitor Comment Summaries
Planning for the future
Question 17 Results If you were a manager planning for the • 49% of visitor groups (N=129) future of Fort Union NM, what would you responded to this question. and your personal group propose? (open-ended) • Table 22 shows a summary of visitor comments followed by handwritten comments.
Table 22. Planning for the future (N=175 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment.)
Number of times Comment mentioned INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Fix outside (audio) exhibits 20 Add reenactments/living history demonstrations 12 Add exhibits about daily life in fort 3 Add information to exhibits 3 Incorporate audio story with self-guided tour 3 Provide information about native wildlife, formation of 3 geologic features, etc. Provide more information about the structures 3 Add information on Native American perspective 2 Add outdoor exhibits 2 Add ranger-led tours 2 Better labels on fort ruins to coordinate with 2 brochure/map Other comments 23
FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Restore at least one building 16 Expand picnic area 3 Provide carts or wheelchairs for disabled to go on 2 self-guided tours or guided tours Provide more shade/shade structures 2 Other comments 16
POLICIES/MANAGEMENT Preservation for future generations 7 Better advertise the park 5 Provide special permits/access for those that who 2 want to go off trail or access park during closed hours Other comments 4
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Table 22. Planning for the future (continued)
Number of times Comment mentioned CONCESSIONS Sell snacks/ice cream/bottled water 3 Other comments 2
GENERAL Keep doing what you're doing 13 Other comments 4
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Additional comments
Question 27 Results Is there anything else you and your personal • 40% of visitor groups (N=106) group would like to tell us about your visit to responded to this question. Fort Union NM? (open-ended) • Table 23 shows a summary of visitor comments followed by handwritten comments.
Table 23. Additional comments (N=193 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment.)
Number of times Comment mentioned PERSONNEL Helpful staff 16 Knowledgeable staff 13 Friendly staff 9 Excellent/exceptional staff 5 Courteous staff 3 Enthusiastic staff 3 Other comments 3
INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Need to fix audio buttons on exhibits 15 Learned a lot 4 Other comments 16
FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Need a way for disabled/elderly visitors to go on 2 trails Well-maintained site 2 Other comments 4
POLICIES/MANAGEMENT Thank you for doing this survey 2 Other comments 5
GENERAL Enjoyed visit 42 Thank you 9 A national treasure 4 Keep up the good work 4 Will return 4 Great piece of American history 3 Exceeded expectations 2 Impressive to see solitude of park 2 Saw antelope 2 Site was thought-provoking/impressive 2 Other comments 17
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Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1-23, 2010
Visitor comments
85
Fort Union National Monument - VSP Visitor Study 232 July 1-23, 2010
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Appendix 1: The Questionnaire
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Appendix 2: Additional Analysis
The Visitor Services Project (VSP) offers the opportunity to learn more from VSP visitor study data through additional analysis. Two-way and three-way cross tabulations can be made with any questions.
Below are some examples of the types of cross tabulations that can be requested. To make a request, please use the contact information below, and include your name, address and phone number in the request.
1. What proportion of family groups with children attend interpretive programs? 2. Is there a correlation between visitors’ ages and their preferred sources of information about the park? 3. Are highly satisfied visitors more likely to return for a future visit? 4. How many international visitors participate in hiking? 5. What ages of visitors would use the park website as a source of information on a future visit? 6. Is there a correlation between visitor groups’ rating of the overall quality of their park experience, and their ratings of individual services and facilities? 7. Do larger visitor groups (e.g., four or more) participate in different activities than smaller groups? 8. Do frequent visitors rate the overall quality of their park experiences differently than less frequent visitors?
For more information please contact:
Visitor Services Project, PSU College of Natural Resources P.O. Box 441139 University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83844-1139
Phone: 208-885-7863 Fax: 208-885-4261 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.psu.uidaho.edu
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Appendix 3: Decision Rules for Checking Non-response Bias
Non-response bias is one of the major threats to the quality of a survey project. It affects the ability to generalize from a sample to general population (Salant and Dillman 1994; Dillman, 2007; Stoop 2004; Filion 1976; Dey 1997). Since non-response bias is usually caused by participants failing to return their questionnaires, a higher response rate is more desirable. However, higher response rates do not guarantee low non-response bias. Researchers have suggested different methods to detect non- response bias. The most common variables used to detect non-response bias are demographic variables. Some researchers such as Van Kenhove (2002), Groves (2000) also suggest that saliency of topic has an effect on response rate. In this visitor study, visitor satisfaction (overall quality rating) could be considered as one of the salient factors as we aim to collect opinions from both unsatisfied and satisfied visitors. There are also several methods for checking non-response bias suggested in the literature. We decided to follow the method suggested by Groves (2006), De Rada (2005), and Rogelberg and Luong (1998) to compare the demographic characteristics as well as satisfaction scores of respondents in three different mailing waves. This seems to be the most suitable method because the visitor population is generally unknown. Respondents and nonrespondents were compared using age and group size. Independent sample T-test was used to test the different between respondents and nonrespondents. Respondents were then categorized based on the date their questionnaire was received. The first wave is defined as surveys received before the postcards was mailed, the second wave is between postcard and 1st replacement, and the third wave contains surveys received after the 1st replacement. A Chi-square test was used to detect the difference in education levels at different mailing waves and an ANOVA was used to test the difference in overall rating score. The hypothesis was that group types are equally represented. If the p-value is greater than 0.05, the difference in group type is judged to be insignificant.
Therefore, the hypotheses for checking non-response bias are:
1. There was no significant difference between respondents’ and nonrespondents’ average age. 2. There was no significant difference between respondents’ and nonrespondents’ average group size. 3. Respondents of different education levels are equally represented in different mailing waves. 4. The overall quality rating scores are not significantly different among different mailing waves.
Tables 2 and 3 show no significant difference in group size, overall quality rating, and level of education. However, there was a significant difference in average age between respondents and nonrespondents. Sometimes, a younger person in the group accepted the questionnaire but an older person in the group actually completed it. This may cause discrepancy in age. While it is necessary to exercise some caution in interpreting visitor demographic, there is no evidence of potential bias in visitors’ opinions about park operation.
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References
De Rada, D. V. (2005). The Effect of Follow-up Mailings on the Response Rate and Response Quality in Mail Survey. Quality & Quantity, Vol 38: 1-18. Dey, E.L. (1997). Working with Low Survey Response Rates: The Efficacy of Weighting Adjustment. Research in Higher Education, 38(2): 215-227. Dillman, D. A. (2007). Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, Updated version with New Internet, Visual, and Mixed-Mode Guide, 2nd Edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Filion, F. L. (Winter 1975-Winter 1976). Estimating Bias due to Non-response in Mail Surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 39 (4): 482-492. Goudy, W. J. (1976). Non-response Effect on Relationships Between Variables. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 40 (3): 360-369. Groves, R. M. (2006). Nonresponse Rates and Nonresponse Bias in Household Surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 70 (5): 646-675. Groves, R. M., Singer, E., and Corning, A. (2000). Leverage-Saliency Theory of Survey Participation Description and Illustration. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 64: 299-308. Rogelberg, S. G. and Luong, A. (1998). Nonresponse to Mailed Surveys: A Review and Guide. Current Directions in Psychological Science, Vol 7 (2): 60-65. Salant, P. and Dillman, D. A. (1994). How to Conduct Your Own Survey. U.S.: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Stoop, I. A. L. (2004). Surveying Non-respondents. Field Methods, 16 (1): 23. Van Kenhove, P., Wijnen, K., and De Wulf K. (2002). The Influence of Topic Involvement on Mail-Survey Response Behavior. Psychology and Marketing, Vol 19 (3): 293-301. .
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Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications
All VSP reports are available on the Park Studies Unit website at www.psu.uidaho.edu.vsp.reports.htm. All studies were conducted in summer unless otherwise noted.
1982 1989 (continued) 1. Mapping interpretive services: A pilot study at 24. Lincoln Home National Historic Site Grand Teton National Park. 25. Yellowstone National Park 26. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 1983 27. Muir Woods National Monument 2. Mapping interpretive services: Identifying barriers to adoption and diffusion of the 1990 method. 28. Canyonlands National Park (spring) 3. Mapping interpretive services: A follow-up 29. White Sands National Monument study at Yellowstone National Park and Mt 30. National Monuments & Memorials, Rushmore National Memorial. Washington, D.C. 4. Mapping visitor populations: A pilot study at 31. Kenai Fjords National Park Yellowstone National Park. 32. Gateway National Recreation Area 33. Petersburg National Battlefield 1985 34. Death Valley National Monument 5. North Cascades National Park Service 35. Glacier National Park Complex 36. Scott's Bluff National Monument 6. Crater Lake National Park 37. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
1986 1991 7. Gettysburg National Military Park 38. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (spring) 8. Independence National Historical Park 39. Joshua Tree National Monument (spring) 9. Valley Forge National Historical Park 40. The White House Tours, President's Park (spring) 1987 41. Natchez Trace Parkway (spring) 10. Colonial National Historical Park (summer & 42. Stehekin-North Cascades NP/Lake Chelan fall) NRA 11. Grand Teton National Park 43. City of Rocks National Reserve 12. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 44. The White House Tours, President's Park (fall) 13. Mesa Verde National Park 14. Shenandoah National Park (summer & fall) 1992 15. Yellowstone National Park 45. Big Bend National Park (spring) 16. Independence National Historical Park: 46. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Four Seasons Study (spring) 47. Glen Echo Park (spring) 1988 48. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site 17. Glen Canyon National Recreational Area 49. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial 18. Denali National Park and Preserve 50. Zion National Park 19. Bryce Canyon National Park 51. New River Gorge National River 20. Craters of the Moon National Monument 52. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, AK 1989 53. Arlington House-The Robert E. Lee Memorial 21. Everglades National Park (winter) 22. Statue of Liberty National Monument 23. The White House Tours, President's Park
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Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)
1993 1996 (continued) 54. Belle Haven Park/Dyke Marsh Wildlife Park 86. Fort Bowie National Historic Site (spring) (spring) 87. Great Falls Park, Virginia (spring) 55. Santa Monica Mountains National 88. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Recreation Area (spring) 89. Chamizal National Memorial 56. Whitman Mission National Historic Site 90. Death Valley National Park (fall) 57. Sitka National Historical Park 91. Prince William Forest Park (fall) 58. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 92. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (fall) 59. Redwood National Park 60. Channel Islands National Park 1997 61. Pecos National Historical Park 93. Virgin Islands National Park (winter) 62. Canyon de Chelly National Monument 94. Mojave National Preserve (spring) 63. Bryce Canyon National Park (fall) 95. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site (spring) 1994 96. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial 64. Death Valley National Monument 97. Grand Teton National Park Backcountry (winter) 98. Bryce Canyon National Park 65. San Antonio Missions National Historical 99. Voyageurs National Park Park (spring) 100. Lowell National Historical Park 66. Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center 1998 67. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing 101. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Park Arts (spring) 68. Nez Perce National Historical Park 102. Chattahoochee River National Recreation 69. Edison National Historic Site Area (spring) 70. San Juan Island National Historical Park 103. Cumberland Island National Seashore 71. Canaveral National Seashore (spring) 72. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (fall) 104. Iwo Jima/Netherlands Carillon Memorials 73. Gettysburg National Military Park (fall) 105. National Monuments & Memorials, Washington, D.C. 1995 106. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 74. Grand Teton National Park (winter) AK 75. Yellowstone National Park (winter) 107. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 76. Bandelier National Monument 108. Acadia National Park 77. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve 78. Adams National Historic Site 1999 79. Devils Tower National Monument 109. Big Cypress National Preserve (winter) 80. Manassas National Battlefield Park 110. San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico 81. Booker T. Washington National Monument (winter) 82. San Francisco Maritime National Historical 111. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Park 112. Rock Creek Park 83. Dry Tortugas National Park 113. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park 114. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve 1996 115. Kenai Fjords National Park 84. Everglades National Park (spring) 116. Lassen Volcanic National Park 85. Chiricahua National Monument (spring) 117. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (fall)
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Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)
2000 2003 continued 118. Haleakala National Park (spring) 151. Mojave National Preserve (fall) 119. White House Tour and White House Visitor Center (spring) 2004 120. USS Arizona Memorial 152. Joshua Tree National Park (spring) 121. Olympic National Park 153. New River Gorge National River 122. Eisenhower National Historic Site 154. George Washington Birthplace National 123. Badlands National Park Monument 124. Mount Rainier National Park 155. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve 2001 156. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical 125. Biscayne National Park (spring) Park 126. Colonial National Historical Park (Jamestown) 157. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 127. Shenandoah National Park 158. Keweenaw National Historical Park 128. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 159. Effigy Mounds National Monument 129. Crater Lake National Park 160. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site 130. Valley Forge National Historical Park 161. Manzanar National Historic Site 162. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 2002 131. Everglades National Park (spring) 2005 132. Dry Tortugas National Park (spring) 163. Congaree National Park (spring) 133. Pinnacles National Monument (spring) 164. San Francisco Maritime National Historical 134. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Park (spring) 135. Pipestone National Monument 165. Lincoln Home National Historic Site 136. Outer Banks Group (Cape Hatteras National 166. Chickasaw National Recreation Area Seashore, Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site, 167. Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Wright Brothers National Memorial) 168. Yosemite National Park 137. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and 169. Fort Sumter National Monument Sequoia National Forest 170. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 138. Catoctin Mountain Park 171. Cuyahoga Valley National Park 139. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site 172. Johnstown Flood National Memorial 140. Stones River National Battlefield (fall) 173. Nicodemus National Historic Site
2003 2006 141. Gateway National Recreation Area: Floyd 174. Kings Mountain National Military Park (spring) Bennett Field (spring) 175. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site 142. Cowpens National Battlefield (spring) 176. Devils Postpile National Monument 143. Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim 177. Mammoth Cave National Park 144. Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim 178. Yellowstone National Park 145. C&O Canal National Historical Park 179. Monocacy National Battlefield 146. Capulin Volcano National Monument 180. Denali National Park & Preserve 147. Oregon Caves National Monument 181. Golden Spike National Historic Site 148. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic 182. Katmai National Park and Preserve Site 183. Zion National Park (spring and fall) 149. Fort Stanwix National Monument 150. Arches National Park
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Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)
2007 2009 (continued) 184.1. Big Cypress National Preserve (spring) 212. Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial 184.2. Big Cypress National Preserve (ORV Permit 213. Women’s Rights National Historical Park Holder/Camp Owner) 214. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park 185. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (spring) Unit -Seattle 186. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (spring 215. Yosemite National Park and summer) 216. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 187. Lava Beds National Monument 217. James A. Garfield National Historic Site 188. John Muir National Historic Site 218. Boston National Historical Park 189. Fort Union Trading Post NHS 219. Bryce Canyon National Park 190. Fort Donelson National Battlefield 220. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 191. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument 221. Acadia National Park 192. Mount Rushmore National Memorial 222. Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve 193. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve 223. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site 194. Rainbow Bridge National Monument 195. Independence National Historical Park 2010 196. Minute Man National Historical Park 224.1 Death Valley National Park (fall) 224.2 Death Valley National Park (spring) 2008 225. San Juan National Historic Site (spring) 197. Blue Ridge Parkway (fall and summer) 226. Ninety Six National Historic Site (spring) 198. Yosemite National Park (winter) 227. Kalaupapa National Historical Park 199. Everglades National Park (winter and spring) 228. Little River Canyon National Preserve 200. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park 229. George Washington Carver National (spring) Monument 201. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site 230. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (spring) 231. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 202. Fire Island National Seashore resident (spring) 232. Fort Union National Monument 203. Fire Island National Seashore visitor 204. Capitol Reef National Park 205.1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park (summer) 205.2 Great Smoky Mountains National Park (fall) 206. Grand Teton National Park 207. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site 208. City of Rocks National Reserve
2009 209. Fort Larned National Historic Site 210. Homestead National Monument of America 211. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
For more information about the Visitor Services Project, please contact the University of Idaho Park Studies Unit, website: www.psu.uidaho.edu or phone (208) 885-7863.
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The Department of the Interior protects and manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its special responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.
NPS 2010/402/106206, December 2010
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 150 Fort Collins, CO 80525 www.nature.nps.gov
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